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Need to obtain a PCO Vehicle License? Once you’ve got your PCO license then your next priority will be getting a job with an operator and also getting a vehicle so that you can start earning money. You have 2 choices when it comes to vehicles, you can either hire one or buy your own.

If you choose to buy your own vehicle or perhaps use one you already own then you will need to get the vehicle licensed by the Public Carriage Office before you can use it for your job and start taking passengers. Currently there is an age limit on any new vehicle being put forward for licensing. The vehicle cannot be more than 5 years old from the manufactured date. In addition to this, no vehicle can remain licensed beyond it’s 10th year from the manufacture date.

How old can my vehicle be?

The Mayors Air Quality Team has decided to put age limits on licensed taxis and private hire vehicles with a view to improving London’s air quality and environment and also providing improved safety for passengers and if your vehicle is too old then it won’t be licensed.

With effect from 1 January 2012 private hire vehicles that are 10 years old or older will no longer be licensed.

With effect from 1 April 2012 any new private hire vehicle that is more than 5 years old will not be licensed.

As of 1st Jan 2018 all PHV’s new to licensing must now be Euro 6 petrol or diesel or Euro 4 petrol-hybrid. Further emissions information can be accessed here.

There are age exemptions in place and exempted vehicles can be licensed for an additional 5 years. Visit the TfL website for more information.

Where can I get it licensed? (0343 222 5555)

Currently, Transport for London have outsourced the private hire inspection service to NSL Ltd and there are six inspection centres located around the London area.

Any other relevant documentation relating to the vehicle, where appropriate, such as Single Vehicle Approval (SVA), evidence of vehicle modification or adaptation etc.

What does the PCO Vehicle Licence look like?

Licensed vehicles must have the licence badges displayed in both the front and rear windows of the vehicle and if the vehicle isn’t displaying these then it is probably not licensed and is breaking the law. The badges list the licence number, the vehicle registration, and also the expiry date.